Overview & Reviews

Mazda's four-door sports car was all new in 2004, and is back for 2005 with no changes except for the addition of a satellite radio-compatible head unit.

• Low base price, agile handling yet still comfortable enough for daily use, smooth rotary engine fun to wind out on the open road, room for four in a pinch.

• Option packages add considerable expense, iffy interior ergonomics, poor gas mileage.

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 179.00

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  great car - IF IT STARTS! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Kevin - June 19 - 9:30 am

  Warning: if you are thinking of buying this car be warned: it will not restart if it is turned off cold. This is a widespread problem, and Mazda is fully aware but refuses to do anything about it (it is a problem with the rotary in that to start the engine needs a burst of gas, and until its burned off, e.g.: warmed up, the car WILL NOT RESTART and must be towed). Otherwise: a great car. Fast. Great handling. Wonderful design. But very bad gas mileage! But I could live with that, IF I COULD BE ASSURED THE CAR WOULD START. Its already left me stranded once, and Mazda will only pay to fix it once, and then youre on your own. Shame on Mazda

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  silver bullet - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By roberto - March 20 - 12:46 am

  I love this car. Its rough with the gas but hey I dont care. Its soooo fun. It drives so smooth and looks sexy. A head turner. I dont mind paying a note for this. I have the automatic not as potent as the 6 six speed but im not complaining

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  More bang for the buck! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By TD - March 17 - 4:26 am

  Easily the best car Ive ever driven, and Ive had a BMW 330I to compare it to. Excellent power from the rotary engine in any gear, at any speed, tons of torque, tight steering and stop on a dime brakes. This car looks like nothing else on the road, which is great. The Bose stereo is awesome. This car easily gives the most bang for the buck compared to anything else on the street, plus it has a usable back seat that the 350z and BMW dont. Gas mileage isnt great, but who cares? If you want great gas mileage, buy a hybrid. If you want to ENJOY your ride to work, or wherever, THIS is the car to get.

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  Awesome 4 Seat Sports Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Xer - March 3 - 4:13 pm

  Fun to drive with phenomenal handling, good acceleration, comfortable ride along with head turning exterior appeal makes this car a true winner. Interior cockpit seating for 4. Stability control with traction control. Standard front air bags along with side air bags and side curtain air bags front and rear. Rotary engine sound. Car insurance same as a 4-door sedan. Zoom- Zoom! The interior is comfortable and the cockpit seating is a plus. The kids love the car and there is room for all four of us. The trunk storage space is limited, but fine for this type of car. Gas mileage is good for a sports car. Im getting at 20+ mpg city/highway driving, 24 mpg highway running at 70 mph.

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  Great littlesports car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DHL - February 24 - 4:06 am

  This is a great car:looks good, drives and handles very well. Takes me back to the days of the Britsh Sports cars like Tr-3, MG, etc. Mileage is disappointing but who buys a sports car for the mileage! Comfortable on long trips. For crowded Southern California Freeways and other stop-and-go driving the automatic transmission is a blessing.

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  Its great and almost practical - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug - February 21 - 1:46 pm

  Purchased w/10K miles on it. Have had no problems, just regular visits for O/C, etc. Car has been great (now 20K Mi). You need to get over 4K RPMs to appreciate the car, handling is great and its plain fun to drive. Have used winter Dunlops and aside from high drifts, it drives great on snow. Trunk is deceptively large although back seat is only usable if the front seats are in mid position. Mileage is average and engine burns about 1qt every 1000 miles. For the price its a great value, particularly with the 4yr 50K warranty. A good sportscar option less pedestrian than eclipse or Z. Have owned Acuras, Jags and MBs, this is fun & saves $!

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  Great value, great fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Bob - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I bought this car used 15 months ago. For the money, its hard to imagine a car that offers the combination of spirited driving, mechanical quality, and inspired style. I also see no more than two RX-8s per month driving in the Chicago area. Its sweet to drive a rarely-seen car among all the bland brands. The car has a cool factor that usually comes with cars twice the sticker price. The only negatives? The paint chips easily and the gas mileage stinks. I knew that going in, though.

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  Exciting Machine - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Chris - February 6 - 9:13 am

  I bought my car as a left over model so it was still brand new but with a nice discount. That and the style were initially my main reasons for purchasing the car. I would say Im glad the pieces came together the way they did. I have owned 20 cars and 1 motorcycle and Im only 30, and this vehicle is one of the most fun I have driven. One downfall was it didnt start out as fast as I would have liked but with a few minor upgrades the motor woke up a lot and it is now as fast as a 2008 Mustang GT 5 speed but handles 10 times better. Tests have been done with a stock RX-8 vs a 350z which is a faster car, the RX-8 matched the 350zs track time because the handling was superb to the quicker car.

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  Great 3rd Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By MI-Mazda - January 13 - 9:33 am

  I loved this car for the first six months. The handling is phenomenal. Convinced my wife that it was practical for our family b/c it was a 4 door. However, this car is undriveable in winter, and thus, remains parked for nearly 4 months of the year here in Michigan. If I could, I would keep it as a third car to drive for fun. It just isnt practical for me as a daily driver.

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  Another love-hate relationship - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Liz - December 21 - 9:30 pm

  While I love the look and feel of my car I have had many difficulties with it. Mazda acknowledges the engine problems that the 2004/2005 RX 8s have and thus have extended the drive train warranty. However, my car has been in the shop more times that I can count. The check engine light is constantly on, even after my engine was replaced! Started with the typical stalling you see in these cars, and went downhill from there. Most recently my oil cooler line completely rusted out, which the mechanic states he has seen in multiple RX 8s. Its a fun car, but as the dealership has told me AFTER pushing me to purchase the car...it should be used as a sports car, not your every day car.